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Gift-givers this holiday season are concerned about accumulating debt—even though nearly half plan to use credit for purchases, according to a recent Experian survey. Shoppers plan to spend an average of $806 on gifts, survey responses indicate.

“The holidays can prove to be a challenging time for many consumers trying to manage their finances,” says Rod Griffin, director of Public Education at Experian. “Credit is a useful tool if it is used wisely, but it’s best to create a budget and determine how much one can afford using credit so there are not overwhelming bills to pay in the New Year.”

Some survey respondents have taken that insight to heart, based on these credit-related New Year’s resolutions:

• Pay off a credit card
• Pay the full credit card balance each month
• Pay credit card debt on time
• Check credit report and credit score more often

In addition, nearly half of shoppers relying on credit to purchase gifts will use a major credit card provider; just 18 percent will use a store credit card. The other half of survey respondents not using credit for gifts will pay cash.

In winter, many homeowners rely on alternative sources for warmth to offset high heating costs, including fireplaces and wood and pellet stoves. While these methods are acceptable under safety standards, a lack of maintenance can render them unsafe for use, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

“We are raising the flag that if people have not yet had their chimney or vents inspected, now is the time to take this precautionary step,” says Mark McSweeney, executive director of the CSIA. “Most people who use their stoves or fireplaces on occasion don't realize that creosote buildup or blocked vents—due to leaves or animals nests—can cause dangerous problems, such as chimney fires and or carbon monoxide seeping back into a home. We want people to stay safe while they work hard to stay warm."

Aside from having your chimney and vents inspected annually, McSweeney and the experts at the CSIA also recommend: